What Is the Cheaper Version of Cialis Called?
Cialis has a generic twin that costs a fraction of the price. Here's what it's called, real UK price ranges, and who shouldn't take it.
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Key Takeaways
Tadalafil is the generic, cheaper version of Cialis, often 2 to 5 times less expensive. Cialis Together is a pharmacy-only option with a fixed dose, while NHS prescriptions are free or £9.90 for men who qualify.
Tadalafil is Cialis, minus the brand name#
The cheaper version of Cialis is called Tadalafil. It's the exact same active ingredient, in the same doses, made by different manufacturers once the Cialis patent expired in the UK in 2018. Once other companies were allowed to make it, prices dropped sharply because brand-name markup disappeared.
There's no difference in how the medicine works. Tadalafil relaxes blood vessels in the penis, helping blood flow in when you're aroused. Both Cialis and Tadalafil belong to a group of drugs called PDE5 inhibitors, the same family as sildenafil (Viagra).
What UK men actually pay#
Prices vary between pharmacies, but the pattern is consistent. Generic Tadalafil is almost always the cheapest route to the same medicine.
| Option | Typical UK cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Branded Cialis (private prescription) | Often £25-35 for 4 tablets | Same drug, brand-name price |
| Generic Tadalafil (online pharmacy prescription) | Varies — check with your pharmacy | Same active ingredient, various strengths |
| Cialis Together (pharmacy, no prescription) | Around £19-20 for 4 tablets | Pharmacy-only, fixed 10mg dose |
| NHS prescription (if eligible) | £9.90 per item | Charge reviewed annually — confirm current rate with your pharmacy |
As a rule, generic Tadalafil from a registered online pharmacy costs 2 to 5 times less than branded Cialis. It's usually cheaper than Cialis Together too.
When the NHS covers it#
The NHS funds Tadalafil for some men, not everyone. You may qualify if you have diabetes, have had treatment for prostate cancer, or live with a condition such as multiple sclerosis, spinal cord injury, Parkinson's disease, renal failure, or severe pelvic injury. Severe distress caused by ED is also its own qualifying reason, separate from the underlying cause.
This list gives you a rough idea, not a guarantee. Your GP checks eligibility case by case, so ask them directly if you think you might qualify.
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Cialis Together isn't quite the same thing#
Cialis Together is a pharmacy medicine, not a prescription drug. It was reclassified from prescription-only to pharmacy-only status in 2018, so you can now buy it after a short chat with a pharmacist.
The catch is flexibility. Cialis Together only comes in one fixed 10mg dose, taken as needed. Prescription Tadalafil comes in more options, including a low daily dose (2.5mg or 5mg) for men who want it always ready rather than planned in advance.
Nitrates: an absolute no#
Never take Tadalafil if you use nitrates in any form. This includes nitrate tablets or sprays for angina, nitrate patches, and recreational alkyl nitrites such as poppers (which are nitrite-based, not nitrates, but carry the same dangerous interaction). There are no exceptions to this rule.
Combining Tadalafil with nitrates or nitrites can cause a dangerous, sudden drop in blood pressure. If you use any nitrate medicine or recreational nitrites, tell your prescriber before requesting Tadalafil, even if you only use them occasionally.
Alpha-blockers need specific advice#
Many men take alpha-blockers such as doxazosin for blood pressure or an enlarged prostate. Tadalafil can enhance the blood-pressure-lowering effect of alpha-blockers, so combining them requires care.
The BNF does not list doxazosin as an absolute contraindication with Tadalafil, but it does highlight the risk of enhanced hypotensive effect. Your prescriber may recommend starting at a lower dose and will counsel you on what to watch for. Always list every medicine you take, including ones for blood pressure or prostate symptoms, so your prescriber can make the right call for you.
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Alcohol and grapefruit juice#
A drink or two alongside Tadalafil is generally fine for most men. Heavy drinking makes side effects like flushing, headache, and dizziness more likely, and can worsen ED on its own.
Grapefruit juice can raise the level of Tadalafil in your blood, increasing the chance of side effects. It's sensible to avoid large amounts of grapefruit juice around the time you take it.
Getting Tadalafil online#
If you're considering Tadalafil, a consultation with a UK-registered prescriber is required. They will review your health history, current medicines, and suitability before any prescription is issued.
If you're already using Cialis or Tadalafil and want to understand timing and missed doses, our guide on daily Cialis dosing covers how long it takes to work and what to do if you forget a dose.
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Medical Information: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting, stopping, or changing any treatment.
